Known colloquially as scurvy, a diminutive of the Latin word scorbutus, severe vitamin C deficiency derives from a dearth of vitamin C in the diet. Known historically to have affected sailors of the 16th and 18th centuries, whose sea voyages deprived them of proper vitamin C intake, and was often the root of their ultimate demise, scurvy is now considerably rare.

If you suspect you are suffering from insufficient levels of vitamin C, it is important to meet with a healthcare provider who can determine the underlying cause of your vitamin C deficiency and develop a treatment plan that addresses your body's unique needs. To schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider in Winter Park that specializes in vitamin C deficiency treatment, call (407) 692-1965 or contact Dr. Asim Rahman online.

Vitamin C Deficiency Symptoms

In the beginning, vitamin C deficiency symptoms may include:

Poor immune response

Swollen or bleeding gums

Slow wound healing and easy bruising

Appetite loss or inability to gain weight

Nosebleeds

Diarrhea

Fever

Fatigue and irritability

Muscle and joint pain

As the disease progresses, the telltale scurvy symptoms, which include bleeding from the gums and loosened teeth, may present. Additional symptoms you may experience may include:

Vitamin C Deficiency Treatment

Your healthcare provider can identify vitamin C deficiency by the symptoms with which you present during a physical exam and can confirm the deficiency by administering a blood test to measure vitamin C levels. He or she will likely take a medical history, which will include questions pertaining to the symptoms, past and present, and current state of health.

Because a deficiency in vitamin C usually stems from a lack of vitamin C in your diet, avoiding a vitamin C deficiency and preventing scurvy are thus relatively easy by adhering to a diet rich in vitamin C, incorporating foods such as:

Oranges

Red peppers

Guava

Kiwi

Strawberries

Vitamin C deficiency treatment also may include vitamin C supplements to restore your body's ascorbic acid levels, when diet alone fails in doing so. Vitamin C IV therapy, on the other hand, may be necessary when you need to restore your levels of vitamin C more rapidly, or to address various health concerns.